EIGHT fire crews battled a blaze at a derelict building complex for more than three hours.

The fire started shortly before 1pm and crews are combatting it using hoses and an aerial ladder.

It raged near Drove Lane, Earnley, near Chichester.

The Argus:

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) spokesman said: "We are currently at the scene of a reported fire near Drove Lane in Earnley.

"Crews from Midhurst, Haywards Heath, Littlehampton, Bognor, Chichester, Hampshire, Havant and Emsworth are attending."

The Argus:

Shortly after 2pm WSFRS area manager Adrian Murphy gave an update on the fire.

He said the aerial ladders had been used to bring the fire under control and teams were "now getting on top of the fire".

The Argus:

At 3.30pm the service warned that the road to a nearby holiday park in the village is blocked. 

A spokesman said: "The road to the holiday park in Earnley is currently blocked while crews deal with the fire.

The Argus:

"Anyone needing access in or out is asked to speak to an officer on the perimeter at the scene."

At 4.15pm the service released another update.

The incident commander for the operation said: "The crews have just had a really good stop on a fire which had spread at a building complex.

"The community have been really supportive allowing us to do our job and I am pleased to say the fire is now under control."

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